Side Effects For Hydrochlorothiazide

Hydrochlorothiazide is the most commonly prescribed diuretic, or "water pill," in the United States. It is used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure (hypertension), congestive heart failure and edema (excess fluid). Hydrochlorothiazide is available in capsules or tablets in 12.5 mg or 25 mg strengths, and as a 50mg tablet. Hydrochlorothiazide is also mixed with other high blood pressure medications to form combination products.

Electrolyte Imbalances

Diuretics work by increasing the amount of electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium and magnesium, that are excreted in the urine. As these electrolytes are filtered out of the blood, they pull fluid with them to decrease blood volume. Diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide can cause low levels of sodium, potassium and magnesium. Low levels of electrolytes are detected in routine blood tests, and if necessary, your doctor can prescribe supplements to return your electrolyte levels to normal.

High Blood Sugar

Reducing the fluid volume of blood can increase the concentration of glucose, or blood sugar. Most of the time, your body is able to adjust your blood sugar on its own. If you have diabetes, however, your blood sugar may increase.

High Cholesterol

When you begin taking hydrochlorothiazide, your cholesterol level could increase by as much as 5 to 15 percent. Your cholesterol may return to its previous level after you have taken hydrochlorothiazide for several months.

Sun Sensitivity

Hydrochlorothiazide can cause sun sensitivity. This means that you may sunburn more quickly and easily than you did before you began taking hydrochlorothiazide. Applying sunscreen before you go out in the sun can help protect against sunburn.

Sulfa Reaction

Hydrochlorothiazide is a sulfonamide, which means it is similar in structure to the sulfa antibiotics. People who are allergic to sulfa antibiotics are more likely to be allergic to hydrochlorothiazide as well. Symptoms of an allergic reaction are rash and itching. If you think you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide, stop taking it and contact your doctor.

Gout

Gout is a condition in which extra uric acid in the blood crystallizes and deposits in a joint, usually the big toe. Gout is characterized by redness and swelling of the affected joint that causes extreme pain. The reduced fluid volume of blood caused by hydrochlorothiazide can further increase the concentration of uric acid in the blood. This can cause the development of gout in people who have never had it before, or lead to flareups in people previously diagnosed with gout.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Because it is related to the sulfa antibiotics, people taking hydrochlorothiazide have an increased risk of developing a serious condition known as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. In Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, the outer layer of the skin detaches from the body. It is an extremely rare disorder, with only about 1.9 cases per million people each year. Of these cases, up to 50 percent have no known cause. When Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is caused by medication, it is most likely to occur within the first month taking the drug.